FIFTY YEARS OF THUNDERBOLT TRADITION

About the Book

No other high school in Nebraska evokes as much pride, passion, inspiration, and devotion as Pius X High School. The school that was started in 1956 and remains today Nebraska's largest co-educational parochial school, is a beacon for success and leadership. Thunderbolt athletics has been a bench mark for programs to follow, and only those privileged few student athletes who have had the opportunity to don the Pius X uniform can begin to understand why that is so. Pius X's undeniably rich tradition and success over the past fifty years are enough to separate it from other schools: 54 state titles in both boy and girl sports, 12 all sports awards, nine state football championships, and countless academic all state athletes. Coaches such as Aldrich, Kelley, Aylward, Moore, and Forycki, as well as many others, have set the standard of excellence, and have created the feelings of honor and utmost pride associated with Pius X and being a Thunderbolt. Travel back with us as we take a look at Past great athletes and teams and why they make Pius X such a special and magical place. This is a must read for all past and present Thunderbolt athletes, and for Pius X fans and foes alike. Now read the stories and accounts of past Pius X athletes as they attempt to define the significance of being a part of the storied tradition that is a Pius X Thunderbolt.

About the Author

Jim Hansen has been a devoted English teacher and Baseball and Football coach at Pius X High School the past twenty years. The Omaha, Nebraska native is a 1981 graduate of Creighton Prep High School, and a 1986 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has been defensive coordinator from 1987 to 2003, and offensive line coach for the past twenty years. He was also Pius? head baseball coach from 1988?2005, amassing over 400 total high school and American Legion baseball victories. His teams were seven times district champions, and his Lincoln Glass American Legion baseball team was state runner-up 1993, ?94, and ?95. During his tenure, over fifty Pius X baseball players went on to play college baseball. He is married to the former Teresa Easley (?82 Pius X graduate) and they have four children, Bridget age 12, Jimmy 11, Robbie 9, and TJ 7.